About Us
About Tail Finn.
Tail finn is a collaboration of artists, photographers, running coaches, bull riders, and fish hippies. Our first and foremost objective is to protect the dynamic, but fragile aquatic ecosystems here in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. Through education by participation in fair chase, catch and release fly fishing we hope to be good examples of our motto “Leave it nicer than you found it”.
The Black Hills of South Dakota is strong medicine, and our team of professional guides will work hard to show you some of its hidden gems. Anglers of all abilities, no matter gender, or age are welcome to fish with us. Our seasoned group of guides want you to have fun, catch fish, and hopefully learn a thing or two about the sport we so dearly love.
Come explore with us. Come share in the joy that only a fly rod can provide. Above all else come see the Black Hills in a way you’ve never known possible! If you like good vibes, scenic views, and hungry fish… Book your fly fishing adventure with us today! We’ll see you upstream.
Until then.. Good Fishin,
Tail Finn.

"Pistol" Pete Nielson
Fly fishing stopped being a hobby, and became a lifestyle for Pete Nielson and his family years ago. Owner/Operator of Tail Finn & Finn Provisions, Pete Nielson has had the joy and privilege of fly fishing, and teaching the sport of fly fishing for over 30 years. A consummate angler, wandering dreamer, fisheries advocate, and downright fun loving fish hippie are just a few of the labels Pete wears.
It’s no secret Pete loves to fish. That’s why he has dedicated his life to the promotion of Fly fishing here at home, and abroad. A firm supporter of women, children, and the disabled sharing in the sport… Pete knows the world would be a better place if more people fly fished. Come along and spend the day fishing with Pistol Pete.. he’d love to share a little of what he knows, and a lot about what he loves!

"Noodles" Isaac Pattison
Isaac’s love for fly fishing began with chasing rainbow trout in the San Bernardino Mountains of California. After exploring various waters while serving abroad in the US Marine Corps, Isaac and his wife settled here in the Black Hills. Counting himself blessed to experience the true magic of the Black Hills, Isaac knows the very best way to enjoy South Dakota is knee deep in a local trout stream.

"Coach" Seth Mischke
Seth is the Head Track and Field/Assistant Cross Country Coach at Black Hills State University. With over 25 years coaching experience Seth is comfortable with teaching people new techniques, or building upon what they already know. A Wyoming boy since childhood.. Seth is no stranger to big fish, and good fly fishing.
Seth and his family have called Spearfish South Dakota home for the last 11 years. He holds the opinion that the Black Hills and its technical fishery have forced him to become a better angler. A veteran Spearfish Guide for the last few years.. Seth would like to invite you to learn, laugh, and chase fish with him soon!

"Cowboy" Tyson Donovan
A retired rodeo cowboy, Tyson and his family count themselves blessed to call the Black Hills of South Dakota home. Whether it’s hiking, fishing, skiing, or snowboarding the Donovan’s make their best memories outside here in the beautiful Black Hills.
Fly fishing is a passion fueled by joy, science, and art to Tyson. Nailing a cast, or perfecting a drift are great accomplishments no doubt, but Tyson believes it all pales in comparison to God’s beautiful creation and our ability to call this our office. A fun loving and down to Earth guy… the cowboy would like to experience and grow alongside you.. and catch a few fish along the way!
"Pistol" Pete Nielson
Fly fishing stopped being a hobby, and became a lifestyle for Pete Nielson and his family years ago. Owner/Operator of Tail Finn & Finn Provisions, Pete Nielson has had the joy and privilege of fly fishing, and teaching the sport of fly fishing for over 30 years. A consummate angler, wandering dreamer, fisheries advocate, and downright fun loving fish hippie are just a few of the labels Pete wears.
It’s no secret Pete loves to fish. That’s why he has dedicated his life to the promotion of Fly fishing here at home, and abroad. A firm supporter of women, children, and the disabled sharing in the sport… Pete knows the world would be a better place if more people fly fished. Come along and spend the day fishing with Pistol Pete.. he’d love to share a little of what he knows, and a lot about what he loves!
"Noodles" Isaac Pattison
Isaac’s love for fly fishing began with chasing rainbow trout in the San Bernardino Mountains of California. After exploring various waters while serving abroad in the US Marine Corps, Isaac and his wife settled here in the Black Hills. Counting himself blessed to experience the true magic of the Black Hills, Isaac knows the very best way to enjoy South Dakota is knee deep in a local trout stream.
"Coach" Seth Mischke
Seth is the Head Track and Field/Assistant Cross Country Coach at Black Hills State University. With over 25 years coaching experience Seth is comfortable with teaching people new techniques, or building upon what they already know. A Wyoming boy since childhood.. Seth is no stranger to big fish, and good fly fishing.
Seth and his family have called Spearfish South Dakota home for the last 11 years. He holds the opinion that the Black Hills and its technical fishery have forced him to become a better angler. A veteran Spearfish Guide for the last few years.. Seth would like to invite you to learn, laugh, and chase fish with him soon!
"Cowboy" Tyson Donovan
A retired rodeo cowboy, Tyson and his family count themselves blessed to call the Black Hills of South Dakota home. Whether it’s hiking, fishing, skiing, or snowboarding the Donovan’s make their best memories outside here in the beautiful Black Hills.
Fly fishing is a passion fueled by joy, science, and art to Tyson. Nailing a cast, or perfecting a drift are great accomplishments no doubt, but Tyson believes it all pales in comparison to God’s beautiful creation and our ability to call this our office. A fun loving and down to Earth guy… the cowboy would like to experience and grow alongside you.. and catch a few fish along the way!